"I'm not trying to be mysterious," I said.
Chloe gave a little laugh and looked toward the guests who were now openly observing our conversation.
"Well, that's a relief, because people might start imagining you're someone important."
A businessman standing behind her shifted uncomfortably.
I saw Mara pause near the bar with her tray balanced against one hand.
The waitress looked concerned, but she was clearly afraid of interfering.
I kept my voice calm.
"I don't think there's anything wrong with being ordinary."
Chloe's smile tightened.
"That's exactly what people say when they don't have a choice."
I felt the first unmistakable sting of anger, although I refused to let it control my expression.
There was something particularly ugly about someone mistaking another person's dignity for an invitation to insult them.
"I hope you're having a pleasant evening," I said, turning slightly toward the skyline.
Instead of accepting the polite dismissal, Chloe moved directly into my line of sight.
"Oh, don't be sensitive, sweetheart."
"I'm not being sensitive."
"Then why do you look so uncomfortable?"
I met her eyes.
"Because you're trying very hard to embarrass me, and I don't understand why."
For a brief moment, her expression changed.
I had spoken quietly, but the honesty of the observation seemed to catch her off guard.
Then she laughed.
"Embarrass you?"
Several guests looked away.
"Please, I'm only trying to make conversation."
I studied the perfectly controlled smile on her face and realized that she wasn't interested in conversation at all.
She wanted an argument, a display of insecurity, or some desperate attempt to justify my presence at the party.
Any of those reactions would allow her to present herself as the superior woman.
Unfortunately for Chloe, I had spent too many years learning how to recognize cruelty disguised as confidence.
"Then perhaps we should both enjoy the rest of the evening," I replied.
I could see that my refusal to argue infuriated her.
She glanced toward the VIP lounge, where Julian remained out of sight, before turning toward the gathering crowd.
It was as though she had suddenly decided that humiliating me would be an entertaining way to recover the attention she had lost.
She raised her crystal glass slightly.
"Everyone seems far too serious tonight," she announced.
A few people laughed nervously.
I felt an uncomfortable sensation settle in my stomach.
Chloe moved closer until the sparkling silver fabric of her gown brushed against my arm.
"You know what I think?" she asked.